John McCullah brings over 21 years of experience training others in erosion and sediment control, watershed restoration, stream restoration, and biotechnical erosion control (Bioengineering). He has been a Certified Professional in ESC since 1986, and has a BS in Watershed Geology from Humboldt State University, and is a contractor. John served on the IECA Board of Directors for 5 years and remains a member, and published the award-winning Erosion Draw Manual with AutoCad Typical Drawings in 1994.

The training will combine classroom and hands on learning – combining theory with the practical applications and lots of case studies.

Agenda

1: Basic Fluvio-geomorphology

2: Techniques for Channel and Bank Stabilization

3: Other Solutions

Topics:

Basic fluvio-geomorphology

Stream forms and processes

Proper Functioning Condition

Hydromodification

Environmentally-sensitive techniques

Special construction techniques:

Without requiring costly river diversions/isolation techniques

Without excessive destruction of the stream banks and channel bottoms

Using designs that include appropriate bioengineering methods to ensure maximum geotechnical and habitat enhancements

With little to no downstream increases in turbidity!

“Thalweg Management” (an approach to natural river design that looks at the vectors of high velocity during large flows)

Environmentally–sensitive redirective techniques

Redirective methods, using well-graded stone and a wide array of bioengineering have been used successfully for decades throughout the US.

Relevant project case studies to show “the proof’s in the pudding”.

Hands-On Learning:

Attendees with participate in:

A stream walk intended to help learn “how to read the stream”, identify geomorphic and vegetative indicators for OHWM and bank full discharge elevation, how to chose appropriate plants and discuss construction methods

The construction of a couple of demonstration bank protection methods

Harvesting and handling willow materials to learn how the willow stake, live branch and pole cutting can be incorporated into a biotechnical method like Vegetated Mechanically Stabilized Earth (VMSE) using coir blocks and compost socks.

Material:

Attendees with receive a CD/DVD Version of ESenSS design guidance manual (USD$100 value) which includes over 5o Bank Protection Method Techniques.